An Interview With Amateur Bodybuilder Erik 'The House' Fankhouser.

I had the recent pleasure of speaking with Erik 'The House' Fankhouser who is getting ready to compete in the IFBB North Americans. Learn about his background, training & nutrition program, and much more right here!

[ Matt ] First off, I want to thank you Erik for giving up some time in your busy schedule to do this interview for us. For those people who don't know you, can you shed some light on your personal background and let us know what got you into the sport?

[ Erik ] I have always been an athlete. I played football and also participated in track and field all through high school and college. After college, since I am a very competitive person, I needed to find something to do - I always loved working out so I chose bodybuilding.

Click To Enlarge.Erik Fankhouser Five Weeks Out From '07 North Americans.

[ Matt ] Can you fill us in a little bit about your association with Animalpak?

[ Erik ] I am currently sponsored by Universal Nutrition/Animalpak. I go by the name "The House." You can catch me at The Cage every year at the Arnold Classic Expo. I feel as though Animal really personifies who I am.

I believe in their values and way of life. I have been with them for two years now and they have helped me out tremendously with pursuing my bodybuilding goals. I cannot see myself with anyone but Animal.

Click To Enlarge.Erik Fankhouser.

[ Matt ] Your nickname is "The House." Who gave you that name and how did they come up with that name?

[ Erik ] Animal gave me that name. It is a play off my last name Fankhouser and I do believe I am as big as a house.

[ Matt ] On August 31, you will be competing in the Amateur IFBB North Americans. Can you give us a little preview of your workout routine during your contest prep?

[ Erik ] I dieted down for 30 weeks for this show. My basic workout routine is a five day split. Using a high rep pyramid scheme of 25/20/15/12/10 per exercise. I am a high volume type guy. I strength train for 75 minutes a session and do cardio multiple sessions during the day. Peeking at three hours a day.

Click To Enlarge.Erik Fankhouser Photoshoot w/ Alex Ardenti.

[ Matt ] How does this workout differ from your off-season training?

[ Erik ] I do not do as much cardio in the off-season and I concentrate on lifting heavier with lower volume.

[ Matt ] Do you train at home or do you belong to a gym?

[ Erik ] I am an exercise physiologist in my hometown at a local wellness center. Therefore I train there and at another local gym, The Bodyshop in Yorkville, Ohio. I like to train at a different gym for a change of pace.

Click To Enlarge.Erik Fankhouser At The North American Nationals 2006.

[ Matt ] Do you train alone or with a partner/trainer?

[ Erik ] Bodybuilding is not very popular where I live so therefore I train alone. Just me, the iPod, and the iron.

[ Matt ] What does your diet look like during your contest prep and how many weeks out did you start dieting?

[ Erik ] 30 weeks out. I eat eight times a day. Cycling my carbs on a high/low rotation. A high day can range from 150 to 200 grams and a low day can be 30 to 60 grams. The closer to the show the lower they go. I also do zero carbs, zero fat the last few weeks before a show-all eight meals of fish. I have become pretty good at concocting some new recipes.

Click To Enlarge.Erik Fankhouser.

[ Matt ] Do you have a nutritionist that helps you with your diet or do you do it all yourself?

[ Erik ] I believe behind every good bodybuilder is a good nutritionist. And with that said I have been with Andy Bartolovich since day 1 of my career. He has helped with more than just nutrition-he is my go-to guy.

[ Matt ] What supplements have helped you the most during your contest prep?

[ Erik ] I always start my day off with the best multivitamin available-Animalpak. Then I mix in a little preworkout Nitro and Animal Pump and have been finishing off the day with Torrent all through my contest prep.

PRODUCT

Universal Presents:Animal Pak Animal Pak won the Multi-Vitamin Of The Year award for 2005 and 2006! For hard-core bodybuilders and strength athletes, nothing beats Animal Pak for maximizing gains in muscle mass, strength and performance.[ Click here to learn more. ]

[ Matt ] How much of a difference is this diet compared to your off-season diet?

[ Erik ] Bro off-season... no limits. I don't hold back. Gotta eat big to get big. I try and pack on the pounds.

Click To Enlarge.Erik Fankhouser.

[ Matt ] What weight are you planning on coming in at for the show?

[ Erik ] Heavyweight. Doesn't matter what you weigh it is bout what you look like on stage.

[ Matt ] Will this be the heaviest you have been for a show?

[ Erik ] May not be the heaviest but this will be the leanest and best conditioned I have ever been. I will take conditioning over weight any day.

Click To Enlarge.Erik Fankhouser.

[ Matt ] If you had to choose one moment in your career, what would you say was your most memorable?

[ Erik ] Getting signed with Animal. Being an amateur and signed by a major supplement company is a great accomplishment. Just being in The Cage alone every year makes it more and more memorable.

[ Matt ] Where do you see yourself in five or ten years down the road?

[ Matt ] Is there anyone that you would like to thank who helped you get you to where you are today or motivated you to pursue bodybuilding?

[ Erik ] First and foremost my family. My wife and son who continue to inspire me everyday. And my trainer Andy Bartolovich and the A Team. My friend Cornelius. He is the man who opened my eyes to this sport. Also Universal Nutrition and all my Animal brothers from the forum at Animalpak.com that keep me motivated.

[ Matt ] Is there anything else you would like to add to this interview before we wrap everything up?

[ Erik ] I just want to wish all my fellow competitors good luck. And for everyone else to stay tuned and watch "The House" rock Cleveland. You can also find more information or contact me on my website: www.erikfankhouser.net.

Click To Enlarge.Erik Fankhouser.

[ Matt ] Thank you again, Erik for freeing up some time for this interview. I wish you the best of luck in the Amateur IFBB North Americans!